To me, our culture takes the crucial matter of sex much too seriously. "Life is much too important ever to be taken seriously." So, too, I think it is with sex--obviously of the greatest significance, yet (whether "executed" solo or with a partner) great fun as well. Even when predominantly in the service of lust, it's still a form of pleasure, of play. As such, it's both a welcome and necessary diversion from our everyday chores and obligations.